Demonstration held demanding release of former army commander Sarath Fonseka

"It is the wish of the people and we, as lawyers have a very strong belief of his release," Ajith Pathirana of the (NLA) said at a demonstration held in Colombo on Tuesday.

The demonstration held in front of the court complex in Colombo demanded the release of imprisoned former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka.

Ajith Pathirana of the NLA said that it is evident from the court cases that the witnesses have now become jokers.

Organized by National Lawyer's Association (NLA), the protest was attended by Anoma Fonseka, the wife of Sarath Fonseka , opposition politicians and supporters.

	Lawyers at protest

The former military chief was found guilty of breaching arms procurement guidelines in September by a military court and was later imprisoned for a 30 month jail term with hard labour.

But the country's main opposition, United National Party (UNP), has described the court as "illegal."
He was earlier stripped of his rank and pension after being convicted of engaging in politics while in uniform.